Oliver Burke's late heroics seal thrilling victory for Werder Bremen against resilient Holstein Kiel
Werder Bremen clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory over Holstein Kiel thanks to Oliver Burke's late winner after Jens Stage and Phil Harres had traded goals as Bremen finally got their first home win of the season.
Werder Bremen 2-1 Holstein Kiel
Goals: 1-0 Stage 36' 1-1 Harres 48' (assist: Geschwill), 2-1 Burke 89' (assist: Topp)
The Weserstadion was buzzing with anticipation as Ole Werner's Werder welcomed his former side Kiel for an Bundesliga encounter. Bremen, still searching for their first home win of the season, were eager to turn their fortunes around. Kiel, buoyed by their recent maiden Bundesliga victory against Heidenheim, arrived with renewed confidence.
Stage sets the scene
Bremen started the match with intent, dominating possession and creating early chances. Marvin Ducksch came close in the 12th minute, forcing a spectacular save from Kiel goalkeeper Timon Weiner. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Jens Stage unleashed a thunderbolt from 24 meters out, leaving Weiner with no chance. The hosts thought they had doubled their lead just minutes later, but Romano Schmid's effort was ruled out for handball after a VAR review.
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Kiel's comeback
The second half saw a resurgent Kiel side take the game to Bremen. Their efforts were rewarded just three minutes after the restart when Phil Harres rifled home a powerful shot from outside the box, levelling the scores and silencing the home crowd. The goal injected new life into the match, with both teams pushing for a winner. Kiel's Marko Ivezić and Bremen's Senne Lynen both received yellow cards as the intensity of the game increased.
Burke's decisive impact
As the match seemed destined for a draw, Werner made a crucial substitution, bringing on Oliver Burke in the 78th minute. The Scottish forward made an immediate impact, causing problems for the Kiel defence. With just a minute of normal time remaining, Burke rose highest to meet a cross from Keke Topp, powering a header into the net to send the Weserstadion into raptures. Bremen held on through five minutes of added time to secure their first home victory of the season.
Player of the Match: Phil Harres
Despite ending up on the losing side, Phil Harres put in a stellar performance for Holstein Kiel. His equalising goal early in the second half was a moment of individual brilliance, striking from distance with power and precision. Harres was a constant threat throughout the match, leading the line with determination and creating chances for his teammates. He had another golden opportunity in the 69th minute, forcing a crucial save from Bremen's goalkeeper Michael Zetterer. Harres's work rate and ability to bring others into play exemplified Kiel's fighting spirit on the day.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bremen 1.68 - Kiel 0.86
Fastest player: Felix Agu (Bremen), 33.66 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Jens Stage (Bremen), 3.1 percent
Pass efficiency: Magnus Knudsen (Kiel), +1.71
Fantasy Heroes: Max Geschwill (Holstein Kiel, 267 Points), Romano Schmid (Werder Bremen, 254 Points), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, 253 Points)
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